Sir John Whittingdale MP has been elected as a Vice-President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) at its 33rd Annual Session in The Hague.
The appointment is an important international parliamentary role and reflects Sir John’s longstanding experience in Westminster. Over the next three years, he will help provide leadership within one of the world’s largest inter-parliamentary organisations, contributing to discussions on security, democracy, human rights and international cooperation while representing the interests and values of the United Kingdom.
What is the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly?
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) brings together parliamentarians from across the 57 participating States of the OSCE, spanning Europe, North America and Central Asia.
Established in 1991 following the end of the Cold War, the Assembly provides a parliamentary dimension to the wider work of the OSCE. It enables elected representatives from different countries to exchange ideas, scrutinise international challenges and develop recommendations on issues including European security, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, conflict prevention and economic cooperation.
Each year, parliamentarians meet at the Annual Session to debate key international issues, adopt resolutions and elect members to the Bureau, which helps guide the Assembly’s work between sessions.
What Does Sir John's Election Mean?
As one of the Assembly’s Vice-Presidents, Sir John will serve a three-year term as part of the Bureau, helping to shape the strategic direction and work of the Parliamentary Assembly.
The Bureau works alongside the President and other elected officers to oversee the Assembly’s activities, support international parliamentary dialogue and help coordinate its programme of work. While the Assembly does not make laws, it contributes to international policy discussions with its debates, reports and resolutions. The Assembly is designed to strengthen cooperation between democratic nations.
Sir John’s election reflects the confidence placed in his parliamentary experience by colleagues from across the Assembly and provides the United Kingdom with an influential voice within an important international forum.
Representing Maldon and the United Kingdom
While this new role carries international responsibilities, Sir John’s priority remains representing the people of the Maldon constituency.
His election as Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly enables him to bring more than three decades of parliamentary experience to one of the world’s leading forums for international dialogue, ensuring that the United Kingdom’s interests and democratic values are represented in discussions on security, democracy and international cooperation.
Alongside his work in Westminster and across the Maldon constituency, Sir John will contribute to strengthening relationships between democratic nations while continuing to champion the interests of his constituents at home. Throughout his three-year term as Vice-President, he will continue to keep constituents updated on his parliamentary work, constituency activities and international responsibilities.